Nehemiah 4:12
And it came to pass, that when the Jews which dwelt by them came, they said unto us ten times, From all places whence ye shall return unto us they will be upon you. And it came to pass, that when the Jews which dwelt by them came, they said unto us ten times, From all places whence ye shall return unto us they will be upon you.
The verse belongs to the account of hostile neighboring tribes opposing the rebuilding work in Jerusalem and trying to hinder it. The Jews who brought the warnings lived near the enemies and near the builders, and they repeatedly reported that an attack on the builders would come from every direction. Those who brought these alarming reports were not themselves helping with the work.
The alarms frightened and discouraged the builders and weakened their courage. The alarms spread distrust among the builders. The alarms were used to create disaffection.
The builders' experience shows that God's workers may face discouragement from both open enemies and professed friends. Contempt and reproach against God's workers can be followed by more violent attacks when the opportunity comes.